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Scientific name: Synanthedon tipuliformis

June - July. Britain and Ireland. Small, transparent wings. Said to mimics wasps or hornets for protection from predators. Can be seen in gardens, allotments and fruit fields. Often found near currant bushes.

All Britain's resident clearwing moths fly by day. Several are superficially similar. This clearwing is small and black with a yellow collar and two yellow lines along the thorax which are absent on the similar Sallow Clearwing. Females have three and males have four thin yellow bands across the abdomen. The dark outer band on the forewing is streaked with orange on the Currant Clearwing which helps to distinguish it from the Thrift Clearwing.

Flies by day in sunny weather, often around larval foodplants and can also be found resting on leaves. Males are readily attracted to females, often in great numbers.

Size and Family

Family – Clearwing (Sesiids)

Small Sized

Conservation status

UK BAP: Not listed

Scarce (Nationally Scarce B)

Particular Caterpillar Food Plants

Cultivated and sometimes wild Black and Red Currant, less frequently on Gooseberry.

Distribution

Countries – England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland

Widespread throughout England. Also widespread in Wales, Scotland and Ireland, but more restricted in distribution. Possibly overlooked.

Habitat

Found in rural and urban locations where foodplants occur. They seem to favour neglected bushes in sheltered, sunny positions. Occasionally reported on wild currants along stream banks, in damp woods and fenland margins.